How Often Should Fire Detection And Warning Systems Be Checked? A Complete Guide

A fire detection and warning system is something most people hope they’ll never need, yet, when they do, it has to work instantly without failure. A fire detection and warning system that isn’t checked regularly is just as dangerous as having no system at all.

So, how often should you check your fire detection system? In this guide, we break down everything you need to know based on UK regulations.

The Importance of Checking Fire Detection Systems

Many people underestimate the importance of checking fire detection and warning systems. The following points highlight why consistent testing is key.

• Safety of Occupants: Fire detection and warning systems must work flawlessly in life-threatening situations. If you don’t regularly check the system, it could result in failures that put building occupants at risk.

• Damage Reduction: Detecting faults early can reduce the cost of repair and reinstatement.

• Insurance Coverage: Those who don’t check fire detection systems risk invalidating insurance claims. This can leave your company financially exposed.

• Legal Compliance: In the UK, checks are not optional. You’re legally required to follow the BS5839 standards. Failing to do so results in penalties, failed audits, and even shutdowns.

Ultimately, checking ensures that your fire detection systems activate on time. Routine tests identify faults before an emergency.

How Often Should Fire Detection and Warning Systems Be Checked?

Checking fire detection and warning systems is never random. The UK follows strict guidelines so that businesses test their fire detection systems at regular intervals.

According to the BS5839 fire alarm standards, here’s how often you should check fire detection and warning systems.

Fire Inspection Schedule: A Quick Overview

1. Weekly

Weekly tests are a requirement. They ensure that your warning systems are fully operational between professional inspections. These weekly tests are typically done by a trained in-house staff.

During weekly tests, your staff should activate at least one manual call point. Doing so confirms whether the fire control panel receives signals correctly. You must do this during business hours to ensure all areas can clearly hear the alarm.

Additionally, a different manual call point must be tested each week following a rotation schedule.

As a tip, be sure to inform your Alarm Receiving Centre that you’re conducting tests to prevent false call-outs.

2. Monthly

Monthly tests conducted by in-house staff focus more on the power supply and backup systems.

Generators connected to the fire alarm systems should be tested to confirm that they are fully operational. Additionally, vented batteries must be checked for corrosion, leaks, and physical damage.

These tests ensure that fire detection is functional even during a power outage.

3. Periodic

The frequency of periodic tests depends on your risk assessment. However, the maximum interval for this is six months.

During periodic tests, qualified contractors visit your company to conduct a thorough inspection. The qualified contractor visually checks the premises and goes through your fire logbook.

Your batteries, control panel, fire alarm devices, and other system components will be inspected. Following this, they must give you a servicing certificate as evidence of compliance.

4. Quarterly

Quarterly inspections involve the checking of vented batteries by a qualified professional.

Inspecting the batteries is critical because, in the event of a power outage, the fire alarm system will remain fully operational.

Quarterly checks include checking the battery’s electrolyte levels and topping up when necessary. The qualified professional also looks for signs of corrosion and leakage that can affect the system’s performance.

5. Annually

The annual inspection is the most comprehensive check of fire detection and warning systems. Here, professionals investigate all components of the system to ensure compliance.

This includes the manual call points, automatic fire detectors, alarms, filament lamps, radio systems, and cables.

Due to the scope of the work, annual inspections may take up to two days to finish.

After the inspection, the inspector will give you a servicing certificate and a full report of their findings.

6. Non-Routine/ Special Cases

Non-routine inspections are instances where the whole or part of the system must be checked. They can happen in the following cases.

• Damage was found during routine inspection, and repairs were made.

• A new servicing organisation takes over a previous organisation’s work.

• The system undergoes a modification.

• False alarms are occurring.

Aside from this, fire laws at the district or county level may also demand inspections. It’s best to consult with local authorities regarding their testing requirements.

On Documenting Your Inspections

Documenting the warning systems inspections is just as important as the checking. Keeping accurate records ensures you stay compliant with the regulations.

You should always keep a fire logbook, which records all the inspections and maintenance work. Include information like the date of the inspection, who conducted the test, and the actions that were taken.

Documentation makes testing schedules easy to track and is proof of your due diligence.

Our Fire Detection Products and Professional Services

Maintaining a reliable fire detection system is easier with the right tools and professional support. Barbon Fire Protection is here to help.

Barbon Fire is a fire protection company that offers fully compliant products and services. We take fire protection seriously, and we protect both your business and your people.

Here’s what you can expect from Barbon Fire.

• Fire Protection Services: We offer commercial fire risk assessments and maintenance services. Our certified professionals do everything from fire alarm inspections to new building consultations.

• Fire Detection Products: Barbon Fire has a wide range of fire detection and safety supplies. Our products are easy to use and highly effective, offering you top-quality fire protection.

• Other Products: Aside from detection, Barbon Fire also has fire blankets, extinguishers, hoses, and safety signs. Our products are designed to stop dangerous fires in their tracks.

FAQs

Can In-House Staff Carry Out Fire Detection System Checks?

Routine weekly and monthly checks can be carried out by in-house staff, provided they have ample training. For more extensive inspections, you’ll need to hire professional services.

What Happens When a Fault Is Found During a Routine Check?

Any faults must be recorded in the fire logbook. Afterwards, you should call a professional to take corrective action as soon as possible.

Prompt action means you maintain compliance.

Where Can My In-House Staff Receive Training?

Fire safety companies and industry associations can train your staff to conduct weekly and monthly tests.

If you need help with training your staff, you can reach out to Barbon Fire Protection.

What Should I Do if There Are Repeated False Alarms?

Repeated false alarms are a special case that requires non-routine inspection. You should log all false alarms in the fire logbook and have the system investigated by a professional.

Conclusion

So, how often should fire detection and warning systems be checked? The quick answer is that it must be inspected weekly and monthly by your in-house team. Additionally, it should be checked by qualified professionals quarterly, periodically, and annually.

It may seem like a lot, but fire detection systems are infrequently used tools that must work perfectly in emergencies. Following the regulations prevents failures, keeping your business, employees, and customers safe.

Should you need any help with your fire detection and warning systems, Barbon Fire Protection is here to help. We can provide everything you need, from inspection services to state-of-the-art equipment!